TAL Ben Haim, Bolton's summer signing from Maccabi Tel Aviv, is well ahead of schedule at the Reebok.

The 22-year-old captain of Israel is rated as his country's finest footballer but, even so, Bolton boss Sam Allardyce marked him down as "one for the future" when he arrived.

He made an uncomfortable Premiership debut at right-back in a shock defeat at West Brom in October but has looked happier when called in at centre-back.

Ben Haim came through his sternest test on Saturday when he replaced the injured Radhi Jaidi against champions Arsenal and played a key part in keeping a clean sheet against Thierry Henry and Robert Pires.

It was the second time in three months that he had kept the free-scoring pair at bay and claimed he had been helped by the experience of playing against them in a World Cup qualifier in Paris.

He said: "I played for Israel against Pires and Henry when we drew 0-0 in France three months ago so I knew these players.

"I also knew that Vieira is a very smart midfielder who tries to pass the ball in behind you so playing that game in France helped me.

"They are excellent players but Bolton have good players as well. We did well defensively and created some great chances.

"We are very happy because we didn't concede a goal at last and that's important because we want to improve our league position."

Versatile

Ben Haim has the reputation on being to play anywhere along the back four but he acknowledges he would play anywhere at all just to get in the side.

He said: "I prefer to play centre-back but if the manager wants me to play right-back or striker or any position I wouldn't have a problem with it. I just want to play.

"I am not used to sitting on the bench so is not easy for me but the manager knows what he is doing so I accept what he says. If he wants me to sit on the bench, that's what I'll do.

"I am confident about my future in the Premiership. Bolton is a warm, family club with all the players together.

"But whether or not I keep my place when Radhi is fit again is up to the manager. He picks the team."

Unfortunately for him, Ben Haim is best known so far for his involvement in the Wayne Rooney incident on Boxing Day that earned the United striker a three-match ban.

He has been handed a lesser charge of improper conduct by the FA which Bolton are opposing.

Greek midfielder Stelios has admitted that a story on Turkish TV saying he and Bolton had agreed a deal for him to join Besiktas was a complete mystery.

He said: "I have no idea about where this came from. It was like a thunder in a clear sky."